Cesis is a small cozy town where you can stroll by old buildings, explore a medieval castle, relax in the park, enjoy a sled ride in winter and then bask in one of the restaurants. Cesis and its surroundings are beautiful in any weather and embrace entertainment for the whole family.
We have collected its 12 best objects specially for you:
Žagarkalns features eight tracks of varying difficulty connected to each other and located on several adjacent slopes. In Žagarkalns, you will find both long and smooth slopes as well as more dynamic tracks with steep segments and rapid turns.
The largest professional ski school in Latvia operates here. This ski base is perfect for children, beginners, families and large-scale corporate events.
Address: Cīrulīšu iela 70, Cēsis
Working hours and tickets: http://www.zagarkalns.lv/
The recreation center Ozolkalns is located in Gauja National Park and features campsites, a ski slope and an obstacle trail.
The Ozolkalns ski slope is one of the longest in Latvia.
Address: Līgatnes iela 82, Cēsis
Working hours and tickets: http://www.ozolkalns.lv/ziema
The trails along the Gauja River are distinguished by their unusual relief and variety of natural objects. The 2.7 km and 4.6 km hiking trails start at Žagarkalns camping and lead you through marvelous caves, naked rocks, lively springs, the old bobsled track, etc.
Location: Cirulisi Nature Trails
Admission: free
Working hours: 24/7
This is the only reconstruction of a 9–10th century settlement in Northeast Europe and one of the oldest objects revealing the history of Latvia.
Here you can find examples of lake dwellings, the ruins of a medieval castle and an exposition of habitation from various epochs on the Meitu island.
Āraiši Archaeological Park offers excursions and programs to learn how people of different eras lived and to get acquainted with their life and traditions.
Location: Āraiši lake dwelling Archaeological Park
Working hours and tickets: http://amata.lv/araisu-arheologiskais-parks/
This restored mill is located near the Āraiši lake castle. You can get inside, go around all four floors and look at the mechanisms of the mill on your own or with a guide. One may also pre-book an excursion and learn how grain turns into flour or even grind it on their own.
Location: Āraiši Windmill
Tickets: admission and tours have separate pricing
Working hours: Mon – Sun 10:00 – 18:00.
Closed during winter season
In this small zoo, visitors can get along with exotic animals: friendly South American llamas, alpacas and guanacos. Apart from just looking at the animals, you can also interact with them by feeding or going for a walk together.
Location: Rakši zoo, Amatas nov., Drabešu pag.
Working hours and tickets: https://kamieli.lv/
The medieval Cesis Castle, formerly known as the Vendi Castle, was built 800 years ago, giving birth to the city itself. Today it is the largest and best preserved order castle in Latvia.
The castle allows its visitors to use lanterns to explore the north tower. From the attic space of the tower, they may enjoy a picturesque view of the city and another part of the castle ruins.
Since 1949, the Cesis Museum of History and Art has been hosting in the New Castle.
Address: Cēsu Viduslaiku pils
Working hours and tickets: https://cesupils.lv/ru/
This is the second most important attraction of Cesis and one of the oldest structures of the sacred cult of Latvia. Built in the 13th century, it hosts the 6th largest organ in Latvia. The observation deck on the tower overlooks the city and Cesis Castle.
Location: Svētā Jāņa baznīca, Cēsis
Admission: by donation
Working hours: https://www.cesusirds.lv/lv/kontakti
This is a large scientific and entertainment center for curious adults and children; its two floors display hundreds of educational and amusing objects. New expositions are held there regularly; the main exhibit is a spacecraft which simulates a flight to Mars.
Address: Jāņa Poruka iela 8, Cēsis
Working hours and tickets: https://www.zinoo.lv/centri/cesis/
These cliffs got such a name due to their red rock color and are considered a mysterious and romantic place. Along the cliff, the clean Rucamavots spring flows, so you can stock up on bottles and get clear water from it.
There is a detailed map at the entrance. Note: the trail is rather small.
Location: Sarkanās klintis un Rūcamavots
Admission: free
Working hours: 24/7
These 700-m long naked cliffs rise along the banks of the Gauja River and represent one of the most significant tourist sites in the Gauja National Park. Ērgļu means ‘Organ’ or ‘Eagle’ in Latvian. All local platforms, trails, boardwalks and stairs are meant for observing the landscapes. The observation deck can be accessed with a stroller; the path from the parking lot will take about 10 minutes. Be careful with landslides on the way.
Location: Ērgļu klintis
Admission: free
Working hours: 24/7
Sietiņiezis is one of the highest white sandstone outcrops in Latvia. The surface of the cliff is covered with recesses and resembles a sieve, which explains its name (“sietiņš” in Latvian means ‘sieve’). The height of the cliff is about 15 meters, the length is about 500 meters. The cliff is located on the right bank of the Gauja between Valmiera and Jāņmuiža. Trails and relaxation areas are equipped for visitors, but there is no access for strolls.
Previously, there was also the largest natural arch in Latvia, but in 1975 it collapsed. Now, while walking along the trails, you can see the Devil’s Cave, a 15-m sandstone pillar and Devil’s heel, a ledge with a platform on top.
Location: Sietiņiezis
Admission: free
Working hours: 24/7
Material prepared by Yuliana Iljina (Facebook: Places to travel in Baltic States; Instagram: jusjka)
